Miku Hatsune Live in LA

It’s hard to miss the Japanese pop sensation, Hatsune Miku. Her long blue hair and stylish outfit has been a must-have cosplay since she first appeared. Now Vocaloid’s biggest star is having her first concert out of Japan…at LA’s Anime Expo 2011 on the 2nd of July. The virtual idol has already performed ‘live’ in Japan in 2009, using state of the art 3D technology and the only difference to a normal concert is that Hatsune Miku isn’t actually a real person.

Since her creation in 2007, popularity has grown for the cyber star, to the point now where Japanese fans can make their own songs using her voice on a special website. What makes these concerts unique is not just the fact that fans can watch a virtual star perform despite her not being ‘real’, but that some Japanese fans will go and hear their own composed song performed by her.

Obviously this method of music concerts has become quite controversial, with questions being raised as to whether it’s worth spending money on a ticket to see a star that is programmed to perform and not have any interaction with the audience. It’s a revolution within the music industry.

There are numerous other artists similar to Hatsune Miku, some of which have also been confirmed to perform at Anime Expo 2011 as well. These include the blonde twins Rin and Len Kagamine, as well as the pink-haired Megurine Luka. The CEO of the Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation (SPJA) Marc Perez has made a statement confirming their performances. “Fans in North America have been clamouring for Miku to perform here and we have listened…we’re extremely excited to be able to present this 21st century star at Anime Expo 2011 in what promises to be an unforgettable experience for all”.

No doubt with Vocaloid’s increasing in popularity, there will soon be more cosplays and new songs and who knows maybe in a few years time Hatsune Miku and other Vocaloids could be making an appearance in the UK… But for now, check out one of her performances below and see what you think.